What is the dose of ranitidine and how often should I take it?

To treat heartburn or indigestion symptoms, adults aged 16 years and over should take one 75mg tablet with a drink of water.

If your symptoms last for more than one hour, or come back after taking the first tablet, you can take another tablet.

To prevent indigestion and heartburn symptoms associated with eating or drinking, adults aged 16 years and over should take one 75mg tablet with a drink of water, half to one hour before eating or drinking.

Do not take more than four tablets in 24 hours.

Don't take ranitidine continuously for more than a week without seeing your doctor or pharmacist.

If your symptoms last for more than two weeks, or get worse despite taking ranitidine, you should see your doctor.

The ranitidine dose prescribed and how often you need to take it depends on what condition is being treated. It's important to follow the instructions given by your doctor. These will also be printed on the label that your pharmacist has put on the packet of medicine.

Ranitidine is usually taken once or twice a day.

The length of time you need to take ranitidine for also depends on why you're taking it. For example, a course of treatment to allow an ulcer to heal usually lasts for one or two months, but some people may then need to take ranitidine on a long-term basis to prevent the problem coming back. If you're taking ranitidine to prevent ulcers that can be caused by anti-inflammatory medicines like diclofenac, then you'll need to keep taking ranitidine all the time you're taking the painkiller. It's important that you follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

Should I take ranitidine with or without food?

It doesn't matter - its fine to take ranitidine either with or without food, on a full or empty stomach.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you're supposed to take ranitidine on a regular basis and you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

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